Greenville woman killed in Potsdam hit-and-run crash

POTSDAM―A Greenville woman has been identified as the SUNY Potsdam student who was killed in a hit-and-run accident early Saturday morning.

Emily Mae Smith, 20, passed away at Canton Potsdam Hospital as a result of injuries sustained from being struck by a vehicle around 3:37 a.m. near the St. Lawrence County college campus.

Smith was a 2024 Greenville High School graduate and SUNY Potsdam sophomore business administration major who played on the college’s women’s basketball team.

She was the daughter of Faith and Kevin Smith of Greenville.

“Emily was with teammates and friends at the time of the incident, and many more friends, classmates, coaches and supporters joined together with her family while she was at the hospital,” said Dr. Suzanne R. Smith, president of SUNY Potsdam.

“We mourn Emily’s loss as one campus community, and hold her family, friends, and loved ones in our hearts at this difficult time,” she said.

According to Potsdam Police Chief Michael Ames, the vehicle that struck Smith fled the scene immediately following the collision but was identified as an older-model black Cadillac Escalade.

About four hours later, the SUV was located in the Village of Potsdam and the driver, Jakob D. Krise, 18, of Brasher Falls, NY was charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death, zero tolerance driving while intoxicated and driving across hazard markings.

Krise was arraigned and released under probation supervision pending a May 20 court date. The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be filed, Ames said.

Funeral arrangements for Smith have not yet been announced.